Clear steps. Honest boundaries.

Check the contract, invoice, agreed payment terms, delivery evidence, payments and any genuine dispute before sending a demand.

State the invoice reference, balance, original due date, payment details and a reasonable reply date. Keep the wording factual.

Save messages, telephone notes, promises, supporting documents and proof of what was sent in the case timeline.

Generate a PDF demand from the case, check every detail and decide whether it is appropriate to send.

Before a claim in England and Wales, understand the applicable pre-action conduct, exchange enough information and consider settlement or mediation.

Download the dated PDF evidence pack. You or your adviser decide whether to use the official court service; 86Hours does not file or conduct the claim.

Check the correct legal names, addresses, contract, invoice, payment terms, delivery evidence, balance and any genuine dispute.

Send a factual demand, give a clear response date and preserve every message, document and payment proposal.

Scottish Simple Procedure generally covers payment claims of £5,000 or less. Higher-value or unsuitable claims may require Ordinary Cause and professional advice.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service directs claimants to Civil Online and the appropriate sheriff court. Check jurisdiction and current fees before submitting.

The court issues service and response dates. Formal service is governed by the Simple Procedure Rules and is not the same as sending an 86Hours demand.

Current guidance requires an Application for a Decision within two weeks after the response deadline if no response is received, together with any required expenses account.

Check the correct debtor, contract, invoice, amount, due date, delivery evidence, part-payments and whether the debt is genuinely disputed.

Give the debtor the facts, a clear way to pay or dispute the invoice, and a reasonable response date. Preserve proof of sending and every reply.

Northern Ireland small claims generally cover eligible claims up to £5,000. A higher claim may require abandoning the excess or using a County Court civil bill.

Small Claims Online accepts public and business applications. The Civil Processing Centre checks the application and the court sends the claim pack.

A disputed case may be transferred for a hearing. Check the current procedure, exclusions and fees before starting.

A decree decides liability but does not itself collect the money. The Enforcement of Judgments Office handles enforcement in Northern Ireland.